Sr. FSQA Innovation Specialist

All Locations

220 Southridge Pkwy, Bessemer City, North Carolina

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

Tracking Code

901

GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Senior FSQA Innovation Specialist will help implement and maintain a world-class technical and process innovation program. This position is primarily responsible for ensuring processes provide an appropriate level of protection from foodborne pathogens and associated risks. This position will require the ability to use critical thinking to enhance existing systems and processes to eliminate the potential for food safety issues using data and advanced analytics. This position has responsibility for assisting with evaluating and leveraging new technologies or innovative new FSQA solutions and processes through research and data analytics. This position will support key business partners including FSQA, operations (Ag and VA), innovation, and research and development teams.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS/DUTIES OF THE POSITION:

• Evaluate new technologies and food safety solutions through implementation of scientific studies designed to present the business with actionable information around feasibility of use in applications from farms to processing facilities.

• Interpret and translate scientific data into a written report to the business summarizing evaluation of technologies and processes and when applicable, providing actional recommendations for implementation including timelines and resource needs.

• Provide scientific expertise and support for implementation of new technologies and processes throughout Dole operations.

• Work with business partners to identify operational challenges which can be eliminated or improved through the application of process or technical innovation to build a road map to help drive continuous improvement.

• Develop programs, training materials, metrics and KPIs to implement technologies or processes including appropriate assessment criteria, data collection and analysis, and development of actionable information and reporting.

• Support FSQA Supply Chain and Operations teams in developing appropriate analysis and trending tools for data to provide the business with actionable guidance on KPIs related to food safety and quality to enhance compliance.

• Engage with industry partners and organizations on new technology and research applications for the produce industry.

• Effectively review, synthesize, communicate scientific, regulatory, and technical information to both technical and non-technical personnel through written and oral communication.

• Process large volumes of data or information and communicate recommendations for further improvement to mitigate FSQA risks.

• Actively build and maintain relationships with key business partners such as applicable Procurement, Innovation, R&D, Marketing, Operations, Logistics, Sales and Legal teams as needed to execute responsibilities for this role.

• Travel as needed to support the business, scientific studies and industry involvement.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

• 2+ years in FSQA and/or Food Microbiology or Food Chemistry related experience. Experience in designing and executing scientific studies is desirable.

• Strong planning and organization skills.

• Ability to design and implement scientific studies in operational environments.

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with proven ability implementing root cause analysis for identification of corrective actions and problem resolution.

• Expertise in Statistical process control, linear and logistical statistical analysis.

• Working experience with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and preventative controls.

• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.

• Able to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and make rapid, accurate decisions on issues of food safety and regulatory compliance.

• Strong skills using Microsoft Windows and Office Suite of applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Project, Teams and Visio).

• Experience with Statistical Software such as SAS, R, M+, SPSS, Python, JMP, etc.

• Bi-lingual, bi-literate Spanish/English is desirable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

WORK HOUR & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Required Experience

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Microbiology, Food Science, Biostatistics, or related field.

• Advanced degree strongly preferred.

PAY RATE:

$89,000 - $91,000 Annually

EEO STATEMENT: We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

This position is located at 220 Southridge Pkwy, Bessemer City, NC. View the Google Map in full screen.

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